Online DBA

Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business launched its online doctor of business administration (DBA) program in Fall 2025, expanding its graduate offerings with a program designed for experienced professionals ready to take their expertise to the next level. The program was built with working leaders in mind and focuses on helping students apply research and data-driven insights to modern business challenges.

The inaugural cohort brought together professionals from across industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. The program promotes a collaborative environment where students can share perspectives, learn from one another, and bring complex business challenges into the classroom.

The DBA is a flexible, fully online program that allows students to continue working while completing their degree. Coursework combines online learning with optional synchronous sessions and on-campus workshops, making it manageable for professionals balancing career and academic commitments. Throughout the program, students focus on enhancing strategic thinking, leadership, and analytical skills, with an emphasis on evidence-based decision-making.

The dissertation phase is the final stage of the DBA program, where students demonstrate subject-matter expertise through original, applied research. Early on, they work with the program director to identify a topic and dissertation chair, then form a committee of faculty who provide guidance and ensure academic rigor throughout the process. Students develop and defend a detailed dissertation proposal, which also serves as a comprehensive exam, before moving into data collection, analysis, and writing. With ongoing feedback from their committee, they refine their work and ultimately present their findings in a final defense that must be accepted by the committee and the Graduate College.

Faculty mentorship is a core tenet of the program. Doctoral students work closely with McCoy College faculty who provide academic expertise and industry insight to ensure research is rigorous, relevant, and actionable.

The online DBA program highlights a growing demand for programs that connect academia and industry. As organizations face increasingly complex challenges, there is a need for leaders who can think strategically, interpret data, and drive informed decisions.

For McCoy College, the online DBA is a natural extension of its focus on applied learning and leadership development. As the first cohort progresses, the program is quickly becoming a strong option for professionals seeking to grow their impact without losing touch with real-world business.